The ranking by travel magazine Travel + Leisure shows that popular islands around the world span multiple regions, showcasing diverse natural and cultural landscapes. Island travel, with its connection to nature and the ocean, continues to be favored by travelers.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN (MERXWIRE) – The global travel market continues to heat up. According to statistics from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals in 2025 reached 1.52 billion, a year-on-year increase of around 4%, fully returning to pre-pandemic levels and even setting a new historical record. With international flight routes gradually resuming and visa policies being relaxed, spontaneous cross-border travel has once again become the norm. Island tourism, rich in natural landscapes, has become one of the most popular vacation styles among travelers.
International travel magazine Travel + Leisure selected the Readers’ 25 Favorite Islands in the World of 2025 through a reader poll. The ranking covers regions ranging from the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia to the South Pacific, with a total of 18 countries and territories included, showcasing diverse cultures and natural landscapes. The distribution of the listed islands spans different climates and geographic environments, but most are characterized by their strong connection to marine resources. Overall, a common theme among these destinations is their “connection to the sea,” from crystal-blue waters and coral reefs to sea-based cultures and ways of life, forming the ideal vacation image in the minds of travelers.
Travel + Leisure Readers’ 25 Favorite Islands in the World of 2025
- Paros (Greece)
- Palawan (Philippines)
- Bali (Indonesia)
- Ischia (Italy)
- Fiji Islands (Fiji)
- Maldives (Maldives)
- Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
- Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands (Croatia)
- Madeira (Portugal)
- Mallorca (Spain)
- Crete (Greece)
- Phuket (Thailand)
- Vancouver Island (Canada)
- Koh Samui (Thailand)
- Anguilla (British Overseas Territory)
- Milos (Greece)
- Great Barrier Reef Islands (Australia)
- Azores (Portugal)
- Dominica (Dominica)
- Cape Breton Island (Canada)
- Maui (United States)
- Sardinia (Italy)
- Bora Bora (French Polynesia)
- Saint Lucia (Saint Lucia)
- Island of Hawaii (United States)
In the ranking, Paros (Greece) took first place globally. This typical Aegean island is known for its blue-and-white architecture, pristine bays, and rich cuisine. It rose from 24th place in 2024 to the championship in 2025. Second place goes to Palawan (Philippines), praised for its pristine natural landscapes, underground river national park, and limestone formations. Third place is Bali (Indonesia), which has remained on the list for 11 consecutive years, maintaining its status as a top global destination thanks to its unique religious culture and diverse geography.
European islands are also popular among travelers. Ischia (Italy) is famous for its natural hot springs and ranks fourth. Mallorca (Spain) entered the top ten with its diverse tourism offering of both beach resorts and mountainous landscapes. Madeira (Portugal) stands out in the Atlantic as a holiday hotspot thanks to its volcanic terrain and natural swimming pools.
Among tropical islands, Fiji Islands and Maldives are classic vacation icons with white sand beaches and turquoise waters, ranking fifth and sixth respectively. The Galápagos Islands (Ecuador), known for their unique ecosystem and global biodiversity significance, ranked seventh. Hvar and the Dalmatian Islands (Croatia) rose in popularity due to nightlife tourism trends, placing eighth.
Overall, the top ten ranking shows that tourism trends are shifting from simple sightseeing to “experience-based vacations,” combining culture, cuisine, nature, and relaxation. As global travel demand continues to expand, island tourism not only symbolizes escaping urban stress but is also becoming a representation of high-quality living, driving the growth of both luxury and in-depth travel markets.
“Islands that combine sustainable tourism, local culture, and ecological conservation will have stronger long-term competitiveness in the future,” industry experts say. In recent years, travel trends no longer focus solely on price or popularity. Travelers increasingly value depth of experience and environmental friendliness, including low-carbon travel and local cultural participation. As the global tourism market rebounds, islands with sustainable development strategies are expected to maintain an advantage in international tourism.
